Jarman gave reason for tax increase at Wake Up Lenoir breakfast

Tuesday

Jul 16, 2013 at 12:01 AMJul 16, 2013 at 9:43 PM

Forum addressed economic development in the county

Junious Smith III / Staff Writer

Olivia’s at Frenchman’s Creek was the site on Tuesday for Lenoir County residents with early morning interests about local government. Dozens of people came out to the Wake Up Lenoir breakfast, where they had the opportunity to hear and discuss recent updates about public projects, community goals and budgets in a friendly setting. Kinston City Councilman Bobby Merritt hosted the event, with Kinston City Manager Tony Sears, Lenoir County Manager Mike Jarman and Economic Development Director Mark Pope speaking. Those in attendance were treated to vital information, fellowship and refreshments. “I just like hearing what goes on out here and being updated,” Pink Hill Mayor Carol Sykes said. “I want to be updated on how things affect the county government because it trickles down to the towns. I’m not campaigning, but I’ll give support to the people here. To me, this is just one big family.” Sears was the first speaker, talking about the Unified Development Ordinance, needed demolition in the area and how the city planned on getting people inside and outside the area to spend money. “The city of Kinston is in a good place,” Sears said as he addressed the crowd. “We’re not in the best place, but we’re making changes and laying foundations as we move forward.” Jarman discussed the Lenoir County budget and reinforced how it was constructed. He explained why the property tax rose from 80 cents per $100 value to 83.5 cents in the 2013-14 fiscal year. “It was basically letting the people know that the need for the increase was because of the debt service on the school bonds,” Jarman said. “We tried to inform them on the budget, updated them on actions with the general assembly and also the Jones and Lenoir county communication department merger.” Pope talked about industries such as Sanderson Farms, West Pharmaceutical, Smithfield, Electrolux, Lenox China, Spirit AeroSystems and DuPont bringing jobs and revenue to the city. Later Tuesday, Gov. Pat McCrory announced in a press release food packaging company Pactiv would expand manufacturing facilities in Lenoir County, bringing another 26 jobs to the community. “This is a great event to be around,” Pope said. “The industries we have are so important to us and we have to get the word out and support by buying local products.” One of the businesses Pope pointed out was the Woodmen Community Center, which has flourished in large part due to its water park. “Woodmen has helped the community immensely and is very instrumental to showing people out of town they can have a good time in Lenoir County,” Pope said. “It helps in my department to show other businesses the quality we have here in the area.” Kinston City Councilman Sammy Aiken enjoyed the good atmosphere and people who want to see the area flourish. “This is a very positive event,” Aiken said. “The people here want Kinston to be much better and progressive and they’re a treasure of the community. They volunteer time and effort to make the city better and it’s appreciated.” The next Wake Up Lenoir breakfast is on Sept. 5 and will deal with the Health Care Reform. The place will be announced at a later date.

Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.